History's Best Selling Movies of 2000

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2000 saw a swell surge of Y2K fever and early digital revolution in the world of movies! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like American Psycho and Gladiator, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Mary Harron and Ridley Scott proved their mettle with Dinosaur, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. American Psycho

   Released in 2000 by Mary Harron, Christian Bale, Lions Gate Films

   On April 14, 2000, "American Psycho" premiered in theaters, unleashing the chillingly charismatic and utterly deranged Patrick Bateman upon the world. Directed by Mary Harron and based on Bret Easton Ellis's controversial 1991 novel, the film's release was preceded by years of development hell and public debate over its graphic content. Upon its debut, the film polarized audiences and critics alike, who grappled with its blend of extreme violence, dark humor, and biting satire of 1980s yuppie culture. This date marks the arrival of a cinematic landmark, a film that would transcend its initial controversy to become a revered cult classic and a defining work of the new millennium.

2. Gladiator

   Released in 2000 by Ridley Scott, DreamWorks Pictures, Universal Pictures

   On May 5, 2000, theaters across North America unleashed "Gladiator," a film that would single-handedly resurrect the historical "sword-and-sandal" epic for the 21st century. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film premiered at a time when the genre was considered commercially dead. Its release was a massive cinematic event, combining the raw brutality of ancient Roman combat with a powerful, character-driven story of revenge and redemption. The film's debut marked a pivotal moment in cinema, proving that audiences were hungry for grand-scale, classical storytelling when executed with modern filmmaking techniques, visceral action, and profound emotional depth. "Gladiator" wasn't just a movie release; it was the dawn of a new era for historical epics.

3. Dinosaur

   Released in 2000 by Ralph Zondag, Eric Leighton, Walt Disney Pictures

   On May 19, 2000, Walt Disney Pictures unveiled a groundbreaking cinematic experience with the worldwide theatrical release of "Dinosaur," a film that merged live-action backgrounds with photorealistic computer-animated creatures. This ambitious project marked a significant milestone for Disney, being its first major animated feature film produced entirely by its then-new digital animation division, The Secret Lab (formerly Dream Quest Images). The movie’s premiere on this date was highly anticipated, promising audiences a thrilling prehistoric adventure unlike any seen before. "Dinosaur" roared into theaters with considerable commercial success, demonstrating the burgeoning potential of computer-generated imagery in storytelling and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of family entertainment. Its launch was a pivotal moment, showcasing Disney's continued innovation in animation beyond traditional hand-drawn techniques.

4. The Perfect Storm

   Released in 2000 by Wolfgang Petersen, Warner Bros.

   June 30, 2000, marked the North American theatrical release of 'The Perfect Storm,' a monumental disaster film that plunged audiences into the harrowing true story of a fishing boat caught in a meteorological nightmare. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, this date launched a major summer blockbuster, quickly establishing itself as a box office behemoth. The film’s dramatic narrative, combined with groundbreaking visual effects and an all-star cast, resonated deeply with viewers, turning a real-life tragedy into a cinematic spectacle that captivated millions and solidified its place as one of the year's biggest commercial successes.

5. X-Men

   Released in 2000 by Bryan Singer, 20th Century Fox, Marvel Entertainment Group

   On July 14, 2000, the landscape of modern cinema was irrevocably altered with the premiere of "X-Men." Arriving after a decade where comic book adaptations were often campy, critically maligned, or box office disappointments (with a few notable exceptions), "X-Men" took its source material seriously. Directed by Bryan Singer, the film treated the story of mutants struggling for acceptance with a grounded, dramatic weight that had rarely been seen in the genre. It was a risky endeavor, but its release marked a pivotal moment, effectively kicking off the 21st-century superhero boom and creating a blueprint for the sprawling cinematic universes that would come to dominate Hollywood for the next two decades.

6. What Lies Beneath

   Released in 2000 by Robert Zemeckis, DreamWorks Pictures

   July 21, 2000, marked the highly anticipated North American theatrical release of 'What Lies Beneath,' a chilling supernatural thriller that captivated audiences during the competitive summer movie season. Directed by the visionary Robert Zemeckis and starring Hollywood titans Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer, the film arrived with significant buzz, promising a sophisticated blend of psychological suspense and classic ghost story tropes. This date kicked off a remarkable box office run, solidifying its place as a major commercial success and demonstrating the enduring appeal of well-crafted adult thrillers. Its debut was not just another movie premiere; it was an event that reminded viewers of the power of a gripping story told by master filmmakers and performers.

7. Snatch

   Released in 2000 by Guy Ritchie, SKA Films, Columbia Pictures

   Unleashed upon UK audiences on August 23, 2000, "Snatch" was director Guy Ritchie's highly anticipated follow-up to his breakout hit, "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels." Rather than a departure, the film was a confident doubling-down on his signature style: a hyper-stylized, fast-paced crime caper set in the London underworld. The premiere marked the arrival of a cinematic experience that was brash, witty, and unapologetically cool. It masterfully interwove multiple chaotic plotlines involving bare-knuckle boxing, a stolen diamond, and a gallery of unforgettable rogues, cementing Ritchie's reputation as a distinct and influential voice in modern cinema and creating an instant cult classic.

8. Almost Famous

   Released in 2000 by Cameron Crowe, DreamWorks Pictures, Columbia Pictures

   On September 13, 2000, writer-director Cameron Crowe's deeply personal film, "Almost Famous," began its limited theatrical run in New York and Los Angeles before a wider release. This initial debut introduced audiences to a heartfelt and nostalgic journey into the world of 1970s rock and roll. The film, a semi-autobiographical account of Crowe's own experiences as a teenage journalist for Rolling Stone, was met with immediate critical acclaim. Its release marked the arrival of a future classic, a film that would transcend its initial box office performance to become one of the most beloved movies about music and youth ever made.

9. Remember the Titans

   Released in 2000 by Boaz Yakin, Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films

   On September 29, 2000, American audiences were introduced to an inspirational story of unity and perseverance with the theatrical release of "Remember the Titans." Produced by blockbuster magnate Jerry Bruckheimer and released under the Walt Disney Pictures banner, the film brought the true story of a newly integrated high school football team to the big screen. Starring Denzel Washington in a commanding lead role, the movie premiered at a time of relative social calm in the U.S., serving as a powerful, feel-good reminder of the progress made during the Civil Rights era and the challenges that were overcome through teamwork and respect.

10. Meet the Parents

    Released in 2000 by Jay Roach, Universal Pictures

    The cinematic world was forever changed on October 6, 2000, with the North American theatrical release of 'Meet the Parents.' This date marked the debut of a comedy that would not only dominate the box office but also redefine the awkward 'meeting the in-laws' trope for a generation. Propelled by stellar performances and a hilariously relatable premise, the film quickly became a cultural touchstone, achieving significant commercial success and establishing itself as a modern classic in the comedy genre. Its premiere was a signal of a new era for Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, cementing their comedic prowess and paving the way for a successful franchise.

11. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

    Released in 2000 by Ron Howard, Universal Pictures

    November 17, 2000, marked the highly anticipated cinematic debut of 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas,' bringing Dr. Seuss's beloved holiday classic to live-action for the first time. This date launched a film that would not only dominate the box office during its release but also solidify its place as a perennial holiday favorite. Breaking records upon its premiere, the movie showcased an audacious vision, vibrant production design, and a transformative performance from its lead actor. This initial wide theatrical release date was pivotal, introducing a new generation to the Grinch's tale of cynicism, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas, setting the stage for its enduring cultural impact and impressive financial success.

12. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

    Released in 2000 by Ang Lee, Sony Pictures Classics, Columbia Pictures Film Production Asia

    On December 8, 2000, Ang Lee's martial arts epic "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" received its limited theatrical release in the United States. This date marked a watershed moment for international cinema, as the film would go on to shatter expectations for a foreign-language film at the American box office. Based on a Chinese wuxia novel, the film transcended its genre trappings, blending breathtaking action with a poignant love story and philosophical depth. Its release captivated audiences and critics alike, demonstrating that a beautifully crafted, character-driven story could break cultural and language barriers. It single-handedly revitalized the wuxia genre for a global audience and proved the commercial viability of subtitled films in the mainstream market.

13. What Women Want

    Released in 2000 by Nancy Meyers, Paramount Pictures

    December 15, 2000, marked the highly anticipated North American theatrical release of 'What Women Want,' a romantic comedy that quickly captivated audiences and became a significant box office success during the competitive holiday season. This date ushered in a film that brilliantly blended fantasy with the timeless battle of the sexes, starring Hollywood heavyweights Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt. Its unique premise, coupled with its heartfelt comedic elements, allowed it to resonate deeply with a broad demographic, solidifying its place as a memorable entry in early 2000s cinema. The film's commercial triumph underscored its instant appeal and the effective storytelling by director Nancy Meyers.

14. Cast Away

    Released in 2000 by Robert Zemeckis, DreamWorks Pictures / 20th Century Fox

    December 22, 2000, marked the highly anticipated North American theatrical release of 'Cast Away,' a film that would cement its place as a modern classic and a box office titan. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring the inimitable Tom Hanks, the movie launched to critical acclaim and massive commercial success, raking in hundreds of millions worldwide. This release date was special not just for its impressive earnings, but for introducing audiences to an unforgettable tale of survival, isolation, and the sheer human will to endure, captivating viewers during the competitive holiday season and becoming an instant cultural touchstone.